This handbook has been written as a guide and handrail for professional mariners and seafarers employed on ocean going ships and vessels engaged in coastal trade around Australia. This book is intended for ships that are:
 
Compulsorily equipped with GMDSS radio communication installations in accordance with the International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea Convention 1974 (SOLAS) and takes account of Commonwealth or State government maritime legislation, or
Voluntarily equipped with GMDSS radio communication installations.
 
It is recommended reading for candidates wishing to qualify for the IMO GMDSS model General Operator’s Certificate of Proficiency. The procedures outlined in this handbook are based on the ITU Radio Regulations, on radio procedures used by Australian Maritime Communications Stations and Satellite Earth Stations in the Inmarsat network. Careful observance of the procedures covered by this handbook is essential for the efficient exchange of communications in the marine radio communication service, particularly where safety of life at sea is concerned. Special attention should be given to those sections dealing with distress, urgency, and safety. Operators of radiocommunications equipment on vessels not equipped with GMDSS installations should refer to the Marine Radio Operators Handbook published by the Australian Maritime College, Launceston, Tasmania, Australia, or local equivalents for non-Australian readers.

No provision of this handbook or the ITU Radio Regulations prevents the use, by a ship in distress, of by any means at its disposal, to attract attention or to make known its position and obtain assistance. Similarly, no provision of this handbook or the ITU Radio Regulations prevents the use, by ships engaged in search and rescue operations, of any means at their disposal to assist a ship in distress. For the purposes of this handbook, references to distress and safety communications include distress, urgency and safety calls and messages, including alerts and announcements promulgated by digital selective calling.